San Jose does care about where the plastic goes

One of the trickiest plastic products for recycling is what commonly known as “Styrofoam”. More precise classification of that is “Closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam” or XPS. Often in day-to-day conversations we do not differentiate it from expanded polystyrene foam (EPS or Thermocol), which is quite different but for the purpose of recycling goes through the same process. While EPS is most known for its use in packaging of fragile items, XPS more common as high performance building insulation and food take out boxes.

Recently we came across the need to help our customer to dispose significant amount of both XPS and EPS while working on one of the projects in San Jose, CA. Initial thought was that it’ll need to be taken to specialized recycling facility that handles light weight polystyrene. That approach would incur additional cost for our customer as well as would take significant amount of time to drop bulk material off at the facility. After additional research we’ve found not very well advertised method through the City of San Jose recycling program.

San Jose Recycles has a no cost for city residents (Junk Pickup in San Jose. (sanjoserecycles.org)). With clear list of acceptable items published here. While we had to spend a little bit of the time calling recycling hauler, they were really helpful in clarifying all details. The process is simple:

• Schedule appointment through SanJose 311 (sanjoseca.gov)
• Pack blocks into 32 gallon translucent plastic bag
• Set in on the curb no more than 24 hours before scheduled appointment

We’re very keen to acknowledge the effort City of San Jose put into reducing plastic pollution from household by making such programs readily available to residents!